Ray Scott writes about his memories of his time spent with John Nance Garner

 Received on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

The following manuscript was written by Ray Scott and submitted to the Uvalde Hesperian by Dee Scott

(The Uvalde Hesperian converted the handwritten pages to type)

(from the TV show Bonanza) added by the Uvalde Hesperian

  When I was 18 years old, a good friend of mine (Morris Barrow Sr.) gave me the opportunity to be a caretaker for John Nance Garner: Ex Speaker of the House of Representatives and Vice President of the United States. John Nance Garner was in his early nineties. He was a very humble man. He lived in a single wall house behind the Garner Museum. The house now I believe to be on one of the Briscoe Ranches as I understand it.

  I am now 80 years old. There wasn’t a day gone by that he didn’t say to me, “Always tell the truth.” He didn’t indulge in alcoholic liquor during the time I worked there. 

  While working there I had the opportunity to meet Dan Blocker: Hoss Cartwright (from the TV show Bonanza) and John Connally when he was running for Governor. 

  When John Connally came to see Mr. Garner with his entourage, Mr. Garner said, “Come in, Governor!!” They shook handstand Connally broke out in laughfter. (sp)

  If people think scrambled eggs are not healthy, that is all he ever ate, three times a day with hot biscuits and crisp bacon. 

  Mr. Garner did not use vulgar language. The only thing sweet he ever ate was honey. He wore a suit and a tie every day.

  I would like to have the opportunity to go to the Garner Museum and tell everyone what I knew about Mr. Garner. I was there the day that JFK was assassinated. I took the call from JFK when he called to wish him a Happy Birthday.

Ray Scott